Physics Does Digital Optimization— for Machine Learning, Control Theory, Backpropagation

Speaker: Prof. Eli Yablonovitch
Affiliation: UCLA / UCB

Hosted by:  The Optical Society and SPIE Student Chapter

Via Zoom only: https://ucla.zoom.us/j/94807894540

Abstract: Optimization is vital to Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and to many areas of Science. Mathematically, we usually employ steepest-descent, or other digital algorithms. But, Physics itself, performs optimizations in the normal course of dynamical evolution. Nature provides us with the following optimization principles:

1. The Principle of Least Action;
2. The Variational Principle of Quantum Mechanics;
3. The Principle of Minimum Entropy Generation;
4. The First Mode to Threshold method;
5. The Principle of Least Time;
6. The Adiabatic Evolution method;
7. Quantum Annealing

In effect, Physics can provide machines which solve digital optimization problems much faster than any digital computer. Of these physics principles, “Minimum Entropy Generation” in the form of bistable electrical or optical circuits is particularly adaptable toward offering digital Optimization. For example, we provide the electrical circuit which can address the challenging Ising problem, binary magnet energy minimization.

Biography:   Prof. Yablonovitch introduced the idea that strained semiconductor lasers could have superior performance due to reduced valence band (hole) effective mass. With almost every human interaction with the internet, optical telecommunication occurs by strained semiconductor lasers. He is regarded as a Father of the Photonic BandGap concept, and he coined the term “Photonic Crystal.” The geometrical structure of the first experimentally realized Photonic bandgap, is sometimes called “Yablonovite.” In his photovoltaic research, Yablonovitch introduced the 4(n squared) (“Yablonovitch Limit”) light-trapping factor that is in worldwide use, for almost all commercial solar panels.

His mantra that “a great solar cell also needs to be a great LED” is the basis of the world record solar cells: single-junction 29.1% efficiency; dual-junction 31.5%; quadruple-junction 38.8% efficiency; all at 1 sun.

His cellphone antenna company, Ethertronics Inc., shipped over 2×10^9 antennas.

For more information, contact Prof. Bahram Jalali (jalali@ucla.edu)

Date/Time:
Date(s) - Mar 31, 2021
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location:
Via Zoom Only
No location, Los Angeles
Map Unavailable